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Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin,
Ready, but will keep,
This provides a great deal of bang for buck! Historically, the wines of Gerin are of a modern style, with big flavours and plenty of oak to create a robust Cote Rotie, but more definition and finesse is appearing with each vintage. This has power but elegance and poise also.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
This, the Gerin’s largest cuvée of Côte-Rôtie, summed up perfectly all the best of the vintage with a gloriously plump, dark fruit nose followed by firm fruit. A very refreshing, classic Northern Rhône for all occasions.
Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager
The reduction in the percentage of new barrique has been rewarded with more aromatic definition and greater purity en bouche. A blend from granitic Blonde and schistous Brune, with a single digit Viognier representation, this fantastic wine will age with ease for a decade and never fail to give pleasure.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Try as one might, it is impossible not to like Jean-Michel Gerin. In the early days I was so persistent going up to him every year at Ampuis, requesting UK exclusivity, that his dead-pan ‘non’ became something of an in-joke. When ‘non’ turned to ‘oui’, five or six years ago, a very successful partnership was initiated. His sons Mickael and Alexei are now a key part of the operation. 2011 was phenolically mature by the end of the first week of September, so they picked relatively early, and everyone is very pleased with the results.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
This, the Gerin’s largest cuvée of Côte-Rôtie, summed up perfectly all the best of the vintage with a gloriously plump, dark fruit nose followed by firm fruit. A very refreshing, classic Northern Rhône for all occasions.
Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager
The reduction in the percentage of new barrique has been rewarded with more aromatic definition and greater purity en bouche. A blend from granitic Blonde and schistous Brune, with a single digit Viognier representation, this fantastic wine will age with ease for a decade and never fail to give pleasure.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Try as one might, it is impossible not to like Jean-Michel Gerin. In the early days I was so persistent going up to him every year at Ampuis, requesting UK exclusivity, that his dead-pan ‘non’ became something of an in-joke. When ‘non’ turned to ‘oui’, five or six years ago, a very successful partnership was initiated. His sons Mickael and Alexei are now a key part of the operation. 2011 was phenolically mature by the end of the first week of September, so they picked relatively early, and everyone is very pleased with the results.
Domaine de la Janasse,
Ready, but will keep,
The Vieilles Vignes in question here are located in lieu-dits Le Crau, Les Soumades and, appropriately enough, La Janasse, the second of which has distinctive red clay soil and the last of which is strewn with large alluvial pebbles (galets roulés). This was without doubt one of the wines of our November trip, powerfully elegant, elegantly powerful, delightfully enigmatic and wonderfully straightforward. I was very proud to be able to show such a wine to the Director to the Chairman’s office, Lance Jefferson, who accompanied us.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Sabon is a familiar name in the Southern Rhône, a little like Marguet in Champagne or Lurton in Bordeaux. Beyond the complicated Napoleonic dynastic maze, there are some excellent vignerons, few more so than siblings Christophe and Isabelle, who farm 20 hectares centred in the Courthzon commune. Fairly traditional winemaking and a pleasingly unassuming manner have not prevented their particular branch of the family from some of the greatest plaudits of all.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Sabon is a familiar name in the Southern Rhône, a little like Marguet in Champagne or Lurton in Bordeaux. Beyond the complicated Napoleonic dynastic maze, there are some excellent vignerons, few more so than siblings Christophe and Isabelle, who farm 20 hectares centred in the Courthzon commune. Fairly traditional winemaking and a pleasingly unassuming manner have not prevented their particular branch of the family from some of the greatest plaudits of all.
Chateau de Beaucastel,
Ready, but will improve,
Probably the most famous and certainly one of the very best properties in Chateauneuf. Another fantastic wine this year, this fits alongside their vast array of previous great wines. Patience required as always!
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
The usual palette of grapes has been employed here, to a greater or lesser extent, with perhaps a little more Grenache than in 2010 and increased emphasis placed on some of the fashionable underlings such as Vaccerese and Counoise. Mourvèdre is important as always, making up over 30% and contributing savoury somewhat sauvage notes to complement the ripe black fruit core. The finish has a distinctly sweet feel to it this year, with an almost Burgundian elegance allied to a whisper of aniseed and eucalypt.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ch. de Beaucastel’s 200 hectare estate is farmed organically, its other calling cards being the rather controversial vinification à chaud at the start of fermentation and the less contentious use of all 13 of the permitted grape varieties, albeit in somewhat differing volumes. Marc Perrin compares the 2011 with 2000; both were quick off the blocks and finished with an Indian flourish; both were somewhat lacklustre mid-season, which delayed or at least slowed down the growing cycle. Both, he concludes, have produced significantly above average wines. We see no reason to disagree with him.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
The usual palette of grapes has been employed here, to a greater or lesser extent, with perhaps a little more Grenache than in 2010 and increased emphasis placed on some of the fashionable underlings such as Vaccerese and Counoise. Mourvèdre is important as always, making up over 30% and contributing savoury somewhat sauvage notes to complement the ripe black fruit core. The finish has a distinctly sweet feel to it this year, with an almost Burgundian elegance allied to a whisper of aniseed and eucalypt.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ch. de Beaucastel’s 200 hectare estate is farmed organically, its other calling cards being the rather controversial vinification à chaud at the start of fermentation and the less contentious use of all 13 of the permitted grape varieties, albeit in somewhat differing volumes. Marc Perrin compares the 2011 with 2000; both were quick off the blocks and finished with an Indian flourish; both were somewhat lacklustre mid-season, which delayed or at least slowed down the growing cycle. Both, he concludes, have produced significantly above average wines. We see no reason to disagree with him.
Domaine Dumien-Serrette,
Ready, but will keep,
The Patou vineyards have yielded a ripe and warmly textured wine, with notes of cassis, eucalypt and mocha evidenced. Slight high-toned, the core of the wine is plump and reassuring.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Located in the shadows of the spire of the village’s impressive church, Domaine Dumien-Serrette is unassuming and understated, unlike the wines of course, which glory in ripeness and fruit. Gilbert Serrette blends from barrique and larger vats, filled at this stage with the fruits that are distinguished only by whether or not their vines were located en coteau or en demi-coteau. He cites 2011 as an easier and less rustic vintage than 2010; the chronology and tempo of its evolution set in train by a rapid harvest on 14th and 15th September.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Located in the shadows of the spire of the village’s impressive church, Domaine Dumien-Serrette is unassuming and understated, unlike the wines of course, which glory in ripeness and fruit. Gilbert Serrette blends from barrique and larger vats, filled at this stage with the fruits that are distinguished only by whether or not their vines were located en coteau or en demi-coteau. He cites 2011 as an easier and less rustic vintage than 2010; the chronology and tempo of its evolution set in train by a rapid harvest on 14th and 15th September.
Maison Chapoutier,
Ready, but will improve,
Sourced from 70-year-old vines on steep terraces on the Côte Brune, La Mordorée is made from 100% Syrah. Despite its brooding dark colour and the lack of Viognier in the blend, the wine differs appreciably from Michel’s famous Hermitage cuvées over the river. The nose is beautifully perfumed, with notes of ripe summer cherries tempered by sousbois and peat, and a charming feminine palate humming with energy and potential.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Maison Chapoutier,
Ready, but will improve,
From vines located in the parcel of Les Murets, situated to the east of the appellation, this is 90-year-old Marsanne at its flinty, feisty best, the tropical fruit at its core tempered by a chalky seam of austerity that will ensure a happy outcome for the happy few.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Maison Chapoutier,
Ready, but will improve,
Well-named for several different reasons (although not to describe the personality of its progenitor) l’Ermite Blanc is somewhat austere and inscrutable in youth. Like a great dry Savannières or a fine Montrachet, or, say, a novel by George Eliot, it requires patience and effort. Last time I tasted this it caught me on an off day and I couldn’t quite understand it; the time before that it seemed to be a paradigm of perfection…
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
These wines sit at the very pinnacle of perfection; year in year out they are applauded as the best in the Rhône Valley. They therefore need no further introductory superlatives from me, merely the tedious reminder that they are very scarce and, needless to say, very much in demand. We only have small volumes of the wines featured below, so I would encourage you to place any orders for these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Ready, but will improve,
The old vines in question are nearly all centurions and are located to the east of the appellation, mainly in the well-know lieu-dits of Les Gallimardes and Le Crau. A nose of smoke and heather cedes to a generous palate, which turns rich and creamy, decadent and long. Finely-etched tannins add structure and will ensure a most satisfactory evolution.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The old vines in question are nearly all centurions and are located to the east of the appellation, mainly in the well-know lieu-dits of Les Gallimardes and Le Crau. A nose of smoke and heather cedes to a generous palate, which turns rich and creamy, decadent and long. Finely-etched tannins add structure and will ensure a most satisfactory evolution.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The old vines in question are nearly all centurions and are located to the east of the appellation, mainly in the well-know lieu-dits of Les Gallimardes and Le Crau. A nose of smoke and heather cedes to a generous palate, which turns rich and creamy, decadent and long. Finely-etched tannins add structure and will ensure a most satisfactory evolution.
Ready, but will keep,
My favourite Cote Rotie producer, Monsieur Rostaing produces wines with dark fruit and real depth. The paradox is that they also show lovely, delicate aromatics. The oak, acidity and tannins are very well judged, this is aristocratic Cote Rotie!
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
Aromatic nose, black and blue fruit dominate with a delicate white blossom and lavender notes gently balancing the depth of fruit characters. Made from 13 Syrah parcels, it is utterly charming. The balance is exquisite and the restrain and precision of purity make it a marvel. A debutante wine, knowing just the right amount of style, charm and character to leave us wanting to get to know it better. A very fine wine with jasmine and blossom on the finish.
Laura Atkinson, Private Account Manager
Rene de-stemmed 50% of the Ampodium crop in 2011. The fruit is traditionally sourced from 13 different lieux-dits. There is no Viognier, but the wine is aromatically attractive with gentle aromas of wood spice and violet. A satisfying mouth-feel follows, with pleasingly orchestrated tension between crisp acidity and finely etched tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The urbane René Rostaing has an aphoristic turn of phrase; he quotes Pliny the Younger for example, when reminding us that ‘le vin du Viennois a l’odour de violette’. He then throws in the enigmatic phrase, ‘le Viognier à Côte Rôtie est plus légende que réalité’: a subject for debate at the next Northern Rhône symposium perhaps? He can be somewhat unpredictable, eschewing new wood, yet using industrial-looking roto-fermentors. One thing is for sure; he is not too keen on the apparently facile division of Côte-Rôtie into mere Brune and Blonde; it is far more complex than that.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
Aromatic nose, black and blue fruit dominate with a delicate white blossom and lavender notes gently balancing the depth of fruit characters. Made from 13 Syrah parcels, it is utterly charming. The balance is exquisite and the restrain and precision of purity make it a marvel. A debutante wine, knowing just the right amount of style, charm and character to leave us wanting to get to know it better. A very fine wine with jasmine and blossom on the finish.
Laura Atkinson, Private Account Manager
Rene de-stemmed 50% of the Ampodium crop in 2011. The fruit is traditionally sourced from 13 different lieux-dits. There is no Viognier, but the wine is aromatically attractive with gentle aromas of wood spice and violet. A satisfying mouth-feel follows, with pleasingly orchestrated tension between crisp acidity and finely etched tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The urbane René Rostaing has an aphoristic turn of phrase; he quotes Pliny the Younger for example, when reminding us that ‘le vin du Viennois a l’odour de violette’. He then throws in the enigmatic phrase, ‘le Viognier à Côte Rôtie est plus légende que réalité’: a subject for debate at the next Northern Rhône symposium perhaps? He can be somewhat unpredictable, eschewing new wood, yet using industrial-looking roto-fermentors. One thing is for sure; he is not too keen on the apparently facile division of Côte-Rôtie into mere Brune and Blonde; it is far more complex than that.
Ready, but will improve,
Rather counter to intuition, the Blonde is the denser and more powerful of René’s two prestige cuvées and is partially aged in barrique. The higher percentage of limestone, combined with the use of oak, gives it an extraordinarily velvety texture; the iron fist within this particular silk glove is firm of tannin, purpose and intent. It is very promising indeed.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The urbane René Rostaing has an aphoristic turn of phrase; he quotes Pliny the Younger for example, when reminding us that ‘le vin du Viennois a l’odour de violette’. He then throws in the enigmatic phrase, ‘le Viognier à Côte Rôtie est plus légende que réalité’: a subject for debate at the next Northern Rhône symposium perhaps? He can be somewhat unpredictable, eschewing new wood, yet using industrial-looking roto-fermentors. One thing is for sure; he is not too keen on the apparently facile division of Côte-Rôtie into mere Brune and Blonde; it is far more complex than that.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The urbane René Rostaing has an aphoristic turn of phrase; he quotes Pliny the Younger for example, when reminding us that ‘le vin du Viennois a l’odour de violette’. He then throws in the enigmatic phrase, ‘le Viognier à Côte Rôtie est plus légende que réalité’: a subject for debate at the next Northern Rhône symposium perhaps? He can be somewhat unpredictable, eschewing new wood, yet using industrial-looking roto-fermentors. One thing is for sure; he is not too keen on the apparently facile division of Côte-Rôtie into mere Brune and Blonde; it is far more complex than that.
Domaine Vincent Paris,
Ready, but will keep,
Granit 60 is a helpful name to be sure as it describes both the soil type and the gradient of the Parisian vineyard. The wine impresses with its nose of bay, black olives and dark fruit. It seems more energetic than its forebears, with sweet hedgerow myrtle fruit and graphite tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The youthful nephew of Berry Bros. & Rudd favourite Robert Michel, who is now retired, is taking on something of an eminence grise persona himself these days, running the Syndicate of Cornas with great skill. It helps to have such fine vineyards of course, many of them inherited. 2011 he views as a less tannic but more aromatic vintage than 2010, to his liking in other words, as he often states that aromatic harmony is the key to a great Cornas.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The youthful nephew of Berry Bros. & Rudd favourite Robert Michel, who is now retired, is taking on something of an eminence grise persona himself these days, running the Syndicate of Cornas with great skill. It helps to have such fine vineyards of course, many of them inherited. 2011 he views as a less tannic but more aromatic vintage than 2010, to his liking in other words, as he often states that aromatic harmony is the key to a great Cornas.
Jaboulet,
Ready, but will improve,
La Chapelle must be the holy grail of Hermitage, produced from a blend of the best plots including Le Meal, Bessards and Greffieux. If Jaboulet suffered a little after the death of Gerard Jaboulet, it is now back on form. Quality has returned to this estate in full since the Frey family (of La Lagune) bought the estate in 2006. The 2011 is a dense monolithic wine that will require substantial ageing. Layers of blackberries, licorice and smoked duck give a rich, indulgent palate.
Domaine Raymond Usseglio,
Ready, but will keep,
One of the stars of the 2010 vintage, the Impériale has performed strongly again in 2011. Made up of 90% centurion Grenache (some of which is actually 110 years old) and a blend of other ancient vines (the identity of which is not always clear, such is their great age) this is fermented and matured in concrete only. Therefore the musculature and concentration is from the fruit only. This is almost the archetype of traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, complete with powerful tannins, uncompromisingly savoury flavours and a pleasing twist of rusticity.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
To have two famous Usseglios in a small village just north of Avignon, both making sublime red and white wines, may seem a rather strange. They share of course, the same Italian scion, and now thanks to the great advances made here by Stéphane, son of Raimond, also share a similar reputation. Indeed if the scoring system of he who shall remain nameless is to be believed, this branch of the family now appears to be marginally in the ascendant.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
To have two famous Usseglios in a small village just north of Avignon, both making sublime red and white wines, may seem a rather strange. They share of course, the same Italian scion, and now thanks to the great advances made here by Stéphane, son of Raimond, also share a similar reputation. Indeed if the scoring system of he who shall remain nameless is to be believed, this branch of the family now appears to be marginally in the ascendant.
Maison Chapoutier,
Ready, but will keep,
Benchmark white Hermitage, nothing too strident and already nicely evolved with hints of honey and gentle white pepper aromatics. Agreeably elegant and ready as soon as shipped but with scope to improve to 2020.
Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager
This Marsanne is farmed on mixed clay and limestone soils on the east side of the hill and displays notes of apricot, lanolin, almond and even a touch of Mirabelle plum. It is a lovely white Hermitage in its uncomplicated youth.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Michel Chapoutier’s somewhat idiosyncratic etymological dissection of the word ‘biodynamic’ (life and dynamics) neatly summarises his hyperactive and life-enhancing approach to virtually everything, not to mention his favoured approach to viticulture. Time in the presence of the great man is far from dull; his behaviour, indeed, is far from predictable. One can only predict that his wines will be fantastic year-in, year-out – which is quite an achievement.
Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager
This Marsanne is farmed on mixed clay and limestone soils on the east side of the hill and displays notes of apricot, lanolin, almond and even a touch of Mirabelle plum. It is a lovely white Hermitage in its uncomplicated youth.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Michel Chapoutier’s somewhat idiosyncratic etymological dissection of the word ‘biodynamic’ (life and dynamics) neatly summarises his hyperactive and life-enhancing approach to virtually everything, not to mention his favoured approach to viticulture. Time in the presence of the great man is far from dull; his behaviour, indeed, is far from predictable. One can only predict that his wines will be fantastic year-in, year-out – which is quite an achievement.
Domaine Vincent Paris,
Ready, but will improve,
The youthful nephew of Berry Bros. & Rudd favourite Robert Michel, who is now retired, is taking on something of an eminence grise persona himself these days, running the Syndicate of Cornas with great skill. It helps to have such fine vineyards of course, many of them inherited. The 2011 vintage he views as less tannic but more aromatic than 2010, to his liking in other words, as he often states that aromatic harmony is the key to a great Cornas.
The famous Geynale site is located immediately above the village in the Reynards commune, its vines chiselled into unadulterated granite, dating from 1910. Dark fruit and massive, monolithic tannins hold sway and will do so for quite some time. Then the sweet and the savoury will start to do battle.
The famous Geynale site is located immediately above the village in the Reynards commune, its vines chiselled into unadulterated granite, dating from 1910. Dark fruit and massive, monolithic tannins hold sway and will do so for quite some time. Then the sweet and the savoury will start to do battle.
Ready, but will keep,
The VieillesVignes is made up of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, the venerable vines in question located on the Crau plateau and some not far from centurion status. Savoury and powerful, this is the masculine partner to the more feminine Mourre des Perdrix, with firm tannins, dark spicy fruits and impressive persistence.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Teamwork is the name of the game chez Maret, with Michel lending expertise to the vinification, Caroline demonstrating aptitude in all matters viticultural, Veronique developing commercial skill and Madame Maret (after whose Christian name I would not presume to enquire) being a very gifted talker. The wines are eloquent too; for Véronique 2011 was not a great year for Syrah. On the other hand Grenache, which dominates the blend, is perceived as a great success, eschewing the dangerously high alcohol levels of the warmer years in favour for something approaching The Golden Mean.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Teamwork is the name of the game chez Maret, with Michel lending expertise to the vinification, Caroline demonstrating aptitude in all matters viticultural, Veronique developing commercial skill and Madame Maret (after whose Christian name I would not presume to enquire) being a very gifted talker. The wines are eloquent too; for Véronique 2011 was not a great year for Syrah. On the other hand Grenache, which dominates the blend, is perceived as a great success, eschewing the dangerously high alcohol levels of the warmer years in favour for something approaching The Golden Mean.
Ready, but will keep,
One of the greatest wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, its secret is hard to unlock, its quality residing in a harmonious and complete structural integrity that is evident even at this early stage. Old vines from two parcels in the Courthezon commune shoulder the responsibility for this master-piece, one of our favourites this year.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The loquacious Didier Negron recognises that Grenache was plentiful in 2011, unlike the coulure-blighted 2010, but that it had to be treated with care. The juxtaposition of an impressive early flowering and a cool but dry mid-season has engendered a heterogeneous crop, rather like 2007, but in a minor key. Didier’s clever manipulation of differing sizes of container in order to undermine the oxidative nature of Grenache, has ensured the purity and definition of his wines. He is proving a most worthy successor to the great Jean-Jacques Sabon, his father-in-law, who died last year.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
The loquacious Didier Negron recognises that Grenache was plentiful in 2011, unlike the coulure-blighted 2010, but that it had to be treated with care. The juxtaposition of an impressive early flowering and a cool but dry mid-season has engendered a heterogeneous crop, rather like 2007, but in a minor key. Didier’s clever manipulation of differing sizes of container in order to undermine the oxidative nature of Grenache, has ensured the purity and definition of his wines. He is proving a most worthy successor to the great Jean-Jacques Sabon, his father-in-law, who died last year.
Chateau la Nerthe,
Ready, but will keep,
There is no Cadettes this year, rather surprisingly, so all the benefit goes into the domaine cuvée. What is more, La Nerthe have introduced a second wine called Les Granieres, to ensure that only the very best fruit is allowed into the domaine wine. This is a blend of half Grenache and nearly a quarter each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a little Cinsault making up the balance. An extremely impressive wine, the 2011 captures all the qualities that I have admired in the wine over the years, in particular aromatic restraint balanced by a wealth of ripe fruit.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
La Nerthe is by far the grandest of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape properties and now, under the guidance of oenologist Christian Voeux, it is making wines to match. Long feted by the French themselves, La Nerthe is now internationally recognised and lauded for a style which, appropriately enough seems to capture something of the structural grandeur of the greatest properties in Bordeaux.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
La Nerthe is by far the grandest of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape properties and now, under the guidance of oenologist Christian Voeux, it is making wines to match. Long feted by the French themselves, La Nerthe is now internationally recognised and lauded for a style which, appropriately enough seems to capture something of the structural grandeur of the greatest properties in Bordeaux.
Ready, but will keep,
Marsanne and Roussanne, from the communes of Beaume and le Méal come together to form a rich and beautifully structured wine with notes of peach, apricot, vanillin, honey and cinnamon. It is a traditional white Rhône: flamboyant in youth, then surly, and finally (we confidently predict) magnificent. Therefore it will repay lengthy cellaring, or no cellaring at all – but nothing in between.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ferraton is owned by Chapoutier, but run as an autonomous entity. For a long time it seemed to underperform, almost as if shocked in the headlights of the energetic charisma of its benefactor. The potential of the vineyards, some of which are located on the very best sites on the Hill of Hermitage, has never been disputed. Now, with Bordelais winemaker Damien Brisset firmly in control, one begins to see, at last, the realisation of potential. I am pleased to have ‘stuck with’ them over the years, as the maturing vintages seldom fail to please and the quality of the current vintage gets better and better.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ferraton is owned by Chapoutier, but run as an autonomous entity. For a long time it seemed to underperform, almost as if shocked in the headlights of the energetic charisma of its benefactor. The potential of the vineyards, some of which are located on the very best sites on the Hill of Hermitage, has never been disputed. Now, with Bordelais winemaker Damien Brisset firmly in control, one begins to see, at last, the realisation of potential. I am pleased to have ‘stuck with’ them over the years, as the maturing vintages seldom fail to please and the quality of the current vintage gets better and better.
Ready, but will improve,
From 40-year-old vines once again, this wine, from the famous lieu-dit, is richer and firmer of tannin than Les Dionnières, Le Méal has encyclopaedic attributes; leather, sousbois, blueberry and tobacco are among the more immediately evident descriptors. Long on the palate, this will evolve with great dignity.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ferraton is owned by Chapoutier, but run as an autonomous entity. For a long time it seemed to underperform, almost as if shocked in the headlights of the energetic charisma of its benefactor. The potential of the vineyards, some of which are located on the very best sites on the Hill of Hermitage, has never been disputed. Now, with Bordelais winemaker Damien Brisset firmly in control, one begins to see, at last, the realisation of potential. I am pleased to have ‘stuck with’ them over the years, as the maturing vintages seldom fail to please and the quality of the current vintage gets better and better.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Ferraton is owned by Chapoutier, but run as an autonomous entity. For a long time it seemed to underperform, almost as if shocked in the headlights of the energetic charisma of its benefactor. The potential of the vineyards, some of which are located on the very best sites on the Hill of Hermitage, has never been disputed. Now, with Bordelais winemaker Damien Brisset firmly in control, one begins to see, at last, the realisation of potential. I am pleased to have ‘stuck with’ them over the years, as the maturing vintages seldom fail to please and the quality of the current vintage gets better and better.
Ready, but will improve,
A grippy, mouthwatering style offering solid, briary tannins inlaid with finely beaded acidity, all of which melds into the core of anise, blackberry paste and fig sauce favors. Shows terrific energy on the singed apple wood finish. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2030.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator, 15th November 2015
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator, 15th November 2015
Domaine Thierry Allemand,
Ready, but will improve,
This wine shows every sign of being a superb Reynards and it is the product of 3separate lots (with clay, decomposed granite and pure granite to the fore). Tannic and powerful, with concentrated fruit, balanced acidity and excellent length, this already boasts the structural integrity which will underwrite future greatness.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Remote and maybe somewhat aloof, the magus of Cornas seems well placed in his winery, which is located at an altitude of 400 metres on the St Romain-de-Lerps plateau. Thierry compares 2011 to 2004, a vintage which took some time to put on weight in barrel, and he was kind enough to illustrate his point most convincingly. This, it seems, has now happened, without forsaking the initial finesse. The harvest was relatively early, but with more normal (that is to say 29 hl/hr) yields than its immediate predecessor and, for that matter than 2012, which promises to be a very modest crop here and elsewhere in the Valley.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Remote and maybe somewhat aloof, the magus of Cornas seems well placed in his winery, which is located at an altitude of 400 metres on the St Romain-de-Lerps plateau. Thierry compares 2011 to 2004, a vintage which took some time to put on weight in barrel, and he was kind enough to illustrate his point most convincingly. This, it seems, has now happened, without forsaking the initial finesse. The harvest was relatively early, but with more normal (that is to say 29 hl/hr) yields than its immediate predecessor and, for that matter than 2012, which promises to be a very modest crop here and elsewhere in the Valley.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Try as one might, it is impossible not to like Jean-Michel Gerin. In the early days I was so persistent going up to him every year at Ampuis, requesting UK exclusivity, that his dead-pan ‘non’ became something of an in-joke. When ‘non’ turned to ‘oui’, five or six years ago, a very successful partnership was initiated. His sons Mickael and Alexei are now a key part of the operation. 2011 was phenolically mature by the end of the first week of September, so they picked relatively early, and everyone is very pleased with the results.